A senior leader from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Brian Asingwire, has crossed over to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), handing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni a political boost during a campaign rally in Kagadi District.
The defection was unveiled at a rally held in Muhorro, Kagadi, where Asingwire—previously a key NUP figure in Buyaga East—announced his decision to abandon the opposition after six years of service and back the NRM. He said the move followed his assessment of government development programmes and achievements in the area.
Political observers described Asingwire’s defection as a sign of increasing confidence in the NRM’s leadership and development agenda in Kagadi District and across the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
Speaking to residents, President Museveni said the NRM is founded on unity, peace and development, rather than politics driven by tribal, religious or gender divisions. He added that before colonial rule, Ugandan communities prospered through skills and productivity—values he said the NRM has revived through peace, strong institutions and economic empowerment.
The President outlined key government achievements, including improvements in road infrastructure, schools and health facilities, as well as wealth-creation initiatives anchored in commercial agriculture.
“We must work for the stomach and also for the wallet,” Museveni said, citing successful farming models and ongoing industrial growth.
He highlighted industrial parks such as Mbale Industrial Park as evidence of the government’s push towards industrialisation, job creation and economic expansion.
Museveni also pledged additional support for Kagadi District, including the establishment of a new skilling hub to expand access to vocational training and the rehabilitation of the Ndaiga–Kagadi road. He further expressed concern over delays in the release of coffee funds and promised to follow up to ensure timely disbursement.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja told the gathering that Kagadi’s leadership was firmly united behind President Museveni and vowed strong electoral backing. She also conveyed greetings from Kenyan President William Ruto, whom she said wished Museveni a landslide victory.
Nabbanja urged NRM leaders and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation, including door-to-door campaigns, as preparations for the 2026 elections gather pace.
Residents of Kagadi praised Museveni for protecting freedom of worship, investing in oil-related roads, supporting tea farmers with Shs360 billion, constructing Hoima City Stadium and establishing a public university in the Bunyoro sub-region.
The rally underscored the NRM’s growing influence in Kagadi, marked by opposition defections and renewed unity among local leaders—developments that further strengthen President Museveni’s campaign in the region.
